Soon you might have to reach at least 20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure of train at railway stations. Indian Railways is planning to seal stations just like airports for security checks. Installed with high end technology, the security plan has been put in motion at Allahabad railway station ahead of the Kumbh Mela. The system is also being implemented at Karnataka’s Hoobly railway station while a blueprint for 202 more stations is ready for implementation.

Railway Protection Force Director General Arun Kumar said, "The plan is to seal the railway stations. It is primarily about identifying openings and to determine how many can be closed. There are areas which will be closed through permanent boundary walls, others will be manned by RPF personnel and yet others will have collapsible gates. At each entry point there will be random security checks. However, unlike at airports, passengers need not come hours in advance, but just 15-20 minutes ahead of their departure times to ensure that they are not delayed because of the security process."

The best part about the security system is that security will be improved without the need to increase security personnel.

“If we are investing in technology, then manpower requirement will reduce. These steps are a part of a security plan under the Integrated Security System (ISS) which was approved in 2016 to strengthen surveillance mechanism at 202 railway stations,” said Arun Kumar.

ISS is anticipated cost of the ISS project stands at Rs 385.06 crore. Comprising of CCTV cameras, personal and baggage screening system, access control and bomb detection and disposal system, the ISS will provide multiple checking of passengers and baggage from entry point till boarding of train.

"The security plan envisages a layered security check where passengers will be scrutinised even before they enter the station premises to ease the pressure at stations during peak hours," Kumar said.

The real-time face recognition software will alert the RPF command centre of any known offenders.

Key Highlights

1. Passengers may have to arrive 20 minutes early. The reporting time has been set to ease random frisking.

2. Despite the increase in security, the number of security personnel will not increase.

3. All metro cities and state capitals have been identified as “sensitive” stations.

4. The plan is to have a layered security check.

5. Besides, 983 stations will be given CCTV camera surveillance through the Nirbhaya fund.